Texas VS Oklahoma (Tulsa: transplants, for sale, rent)

[the_star_weavers]

We are relocating from Michigan very soon, but can't decide if we want to live in Texas or Oklahoma. We've been on several road trips, done lots of unofficial surveying, looked up neighborhoods on Google Earth, applied to jobs and housing in cities in both states. We have been planning this move for two years and even in this eleventh hour we still aren't sure. Both states seem to have what we're looking for. Which state has the edge?

[Bass&Catfish2008]

Originally Posted by the_star_weavers

We are relocating from Michigan very soon, but can't decide if we want to live in Texas or Oklahoma. We've been on several road trips, done lots of unofficial surveying, looked up neighborhoods on Google Earth, applied to jobs and housing in cities in both states. We have been planning this move for two years and even in this eleventh hour we still aren't sure. Both states seem to have what we're looking for. Which state has the edge?

If you think you would do better around more transplants then Dallas/Fort Worth would be best, presuming that you are moving to more of an urban setting. If you like more of the countrified-Southern culture then Oklahoma probably would be better to your liking.

[Synopsis]

It depends on what you are looking for. Dallas/Fort Worth, where I live has more than twice as many people in the metropolitan area as the entire state of Oklahoma. So if you are into mega city life, then here our Houston would be your choice.

If you are into a more laid back lifestyle, then OkC or Tulsa would be your choice. They both have their advantages and disadvantages. I'm from Oklahoma and will have lived in the DFW area for 20 years come this Summer.

DFW is a great city, but I'd prefer to live in OkC or Tulsa, but I'm a homer so you might take that with a grain of salt. BTW, if you do decide on DFW, look in my neighborhood, the housing costs are reasonable and it is a very safe area (76054). In a short while, you'll see my house up for sale, we are looking to "downsize" because of the economy.

If you still want to keep a semblence of Winter, you'll probably want to move to Oklahoma, as the majority of Texas doesn't really have a Winter, which can be a plus.

OkC is the bustling city in Oklahoma, more so than Tulsa, but Tulsa is not that far behind and has (IMO) better scenery with the rolling hills and such.

Anyway, wherever you end up, good luck!

[Oildog]

Depends on how you will support yourselves. Texas is huge and has 5 population centers at 1 million people or more, so there are likely more job opportunities. Oklahoma has a lower cost of living and the biggest city OKC has maybe a million folks.

Weather is varied depending on where is the states you live. I think Dallas is similar to OKC, but vey different from Houston or El Paso.

[Mattie Jo]

My husband and I lived all over Texas, but we choose Oklahoma for various reasons. One, some smaller towns don't accept outsiders and we were shunned in those. We were told that they only rent to real Texans. Oklahoma's friendliness beats Texas by a mile. I think Dallas area would be a good bet if you are looking for a big city. I also didn't like the lack of big trees in most parts, and would have had to have lived near Tyler, but was warned against doing so since we were from CA. At least it has the big trees.

[texas 200]

I have never lived in OK. so I can not compare it to Tx. You didn't mention any specific cities you were interested in. In Tx. I would prefer to live in Austin or San Antonio. People are friendly, you are not in tornado alley as you would be in OK. and in Dallas/Fort Worth. If you like the outdoors, there are many lakes and the hill country is not very far at all from either city. So you can get large city amenities and just be an hour or so from the beautiful hill country. Then you are also only about 2-3 hrs away from the gulf coast if you want another get away.
Best of luck to you!

[the_star_weavers]

Thanks everyone for the information!!!!!! I should have also clarified that we have two small baby boys (2&1/2 years and 11 months) so safe neighborhoods and eventually good school districts are important to us. I am a Social Worker and my husband is in restaraunt management. We are an interracial family and were also wondering about cultural acceptance/tolerance in these prviously mentioned areas. And as far as TExas goes, for those of you who inquired,we were interested in the Houston, Dallas/Fort Worth,and El Paso areas.

[D-Towner]

No offense, but Oklahoma will always be subordinate to Texas.

[Goodpasture]

In what way?

[D-Towner]

Originally Posted by Goodpasture

In what way?

We are better and you live in Our Shadows.